Fire TV Stick 4K is an improvement in every way. Upgrade!

I purchased this to replace my previous generation Fire Stick. I recently purchased an iPhone that offered free Apple TV+ and my old generation didn't support this application. I have been pleasantly surprised by this unit and some of the perks from the old one. It's super easy to set-up, it's plug-n-play like the other versions. I love the new remote design. It's a bit heftier in weight, which I like, but still compact like the previous ones. I also love that they've incorporated an on/off switch for the TV as well as alignment with my surround sound unit for volume. It sets this up automatically when you start the set-up of the device. The negatives are minimal so far (I've had it for about a week). I have a Sony sound bar with a Sony TV. The soundbar can timeout from the Alexa remote. That means somehow the remote isn't fully functional to the wireless device. That's a bit disappointing since, I thought I could reduce having another remote out to watch TV. The voice recognition is spotty at times. It either can't find what I'm looking for or it just clicks on/off without responding. My house is an Amazon house, so I have Alexa with my Echo, Dots, Kindle and my phone. There can be overlap where Alexa can't decide which device you're talking to her on. I'm not sure if that's part of the issue here as well. I know there are settings to restrict which Alexa responds based on setting but it doesn't seem to work with the Fire Stick as well. The only other thing that was a bit of a pain was that I had to download apps again. Since this ties to my existing Amazon account and I have multiple Fire Sticks, it would have been nice if it recognized what I had already pre-loaded. Instead I had to search for the apps to download individually. I should mention that I have fully cut my cable. I use this Fire Stick to access the majors; Sling, Hulu, Disney+, ESPN+, etc. Other than that, I've been happy with it so far.

ByAdam

Fascist app environment, but useful otherwise

Like millions before us, we finally cut the cord. Discounts were available for this device as well as a Roku 4K stick and I chose to purchase one of each for my 2 smart TVs, risking confusion in operating the 2 devices. I'm happy with both, but the Fire Stick remote is more intelligently designed, with the voice button in a more conspicuous location and the volume controls also easier to find and operate. Each remote needs buttons that light up in the dark, like my previous Cox Contour remote. A nice feature with the Fires Stick was the HDMI extension adapter, since on my Samsung smart TV the stick would not fit without being left on an angle, which didn't seem to be an adequate connection. Happy to join the cord cutters, saving over $100/month despite spoiling my family with YouTubeTV, Sling TV, Netflix, and Hulu. But this is a fast evolving, new world and like smartphones, cable modems, wifi routers, let alone ISP service, I expect changes/advances in all the Sticks every 2-3 years. Highly recommend.

ByVedgehammer

Nice upgraded unit

Overall, we're quite happy with the Stick. It is nice to be able to watch videos on the larger screen instead of being tied to our iPads. I wish we had more control over the screen saver and its timing, but no major complaints other than the bug with the Recast noted below. Copy of my review of the Recast: In most respects, the Recast is significantly better than the almost two-decade old VCR/DVD player we just retired. Two tuners is a nice feature that we didn’t have, and the ability to record two at a time and to be able to watch from the beginning of a show while it is still recording the end are also good. There is no slo-mo or frame-by-frame feature, though. The VCR was actually better to schedule recordings on, though, in most cases, and the Recast has a scheduled recording programming bug between the Schedule and the Guide. The bug: we like to watch 'GMA3', a daily broadcast, and when we schedule the Recast to record the series, it inexplicably skips some episodes. Notice the lack of the record icon in the middle thumbnail at the bottom of the screen in the photo. I think it also happened on a weekly series, as well. (It might actually be a Fire TV 4K stick issue.)

ByLeozpride

A new world

This is my second firestick when I only needed one. The voices were out of sync with the video, like 4 sentences off which is really weird to watch, plus the video would just stop when I had been watching for a while. I tried other channels, three words were spoken and it stopped. So I called Amazon twice, each time they went through my tv doing this and that. On the second call, one of them told me I needed a new firestick. I got one and the same thing happened after a few days. I was thoroughly upset by this time when I called again. This time the person knew what he was doing and fixed it by going through the tv settings and updates, etc. He also gave me the steps to do myself if it happened again. So far it hasn't. Just saying all this in case weird things start happening and you think it's your firestick, it may not be. With that aside, I do like the firestick. I would recommend it despite my issues with Amazon tech service on this issue.

By8clap

Scheduling bug in conjunction with Fire TV Recast

---ORIGINAL REVIEW 12/28/2018 --- This new 4k stick does not display subtitles for some reason. My older fire stick displays them just fine, for same shows. I opened a case with Amazon, but I don't think they know what is going on, I have a case number with no ETA. Other than that it seems lot faster than my old stick, everything else works fine except for subtitles. I'll update this review if the issue is fixed. Subtitles is a big deal for me for late night watching, with small kids in the house. --EDIT 12/31/2018--- After my initial review, Amazon contacted me within a half hour, we did a remote debugging session and it was determined that my device was faulty. They promptly shipped me a new device which arrived today and I am glad to say subtitles and everything else works as expected. I have to drop off the old device at UPS within 30 days, Amazon gave me a prepaid label that I can use. Given this development, I am upgrading this review to 5 stars. The device is blazing fast compared to the older models, and the fire remote can now control the TV power and volume as well. I am not sure why my original request for help went into a black hole and it took a public review to get things moving, but I am happy with the responsiveness and speed of resolution after I left the initial review.

ByDale

It's okay

This device replaced an old, must have been near the original model TV fire boxy-like gadget. When I mean old we bought it in 2013. I guess we should have realized it's age was why we kept getting spooling and unable to load problems but not until I read about what might be causing these problems did I realize that the average age for these devices is but a few years. I guess Amazon put out a good model early on since we had used it for almost 10 years! Glad I hadn't complained of poor service from our internet provider. We haven't had any problems at all since we plugged in this device. I didn't rate voice recognition or Alexa since I haven't used those features. It's nice to have the volume buttons on the remote but actually I've found the smaller size a little harder to use since I have some arthritis in my right hand and not quite as flexible. All told, though, we are very pleased with this product.

ByLaineyBell

Subtitles not working.. (EDIT - works great now)

Easy to install and log-in, and almost as easy to install streaming apps (the Roku is a bit easier in this area). The device is reliable, has a crisp picture and works well, generally. The area that I can fault is the user interface (UI). The UI is very "glitzy" with emphasis on color, motion, sound and cramming the maximum number of choices on the screen at the same time rather than clear information on each offered program. A user wants to see several bits of information clearly and when they first browse the program: whether the content is available "free" or as a part of their Prime subscription (when looking on Prime or some other paid "channel" accessed via an app on the FireTV device), or if there will be a rental or purchase; the user also wants to know what other viewers or reviewers have thought of the content (e.g., star ratings or review ratings), its genre (crime drama, comedy, etc.), a brief synopsis of the content - hopefully with an option to "see more," the running time, and its rating (PG, PG-13, etc.). FireTV shows only some of this info in the apps I have and then it is shown only after you go down to the second level after you select a program or third level before you play the content. If you decide you don't want to play that content and "back-out" of the selection, you go back to the top-level display of all offerings but your "place" in browsing the offerings is not preserved - - you need to go look for where you were when you tried the selection that you ultimately rejected. I call this a "punishing user interface" because it causes you to do a lot of work to recover from any mistake or dead-end that the UI itself leads you into. This and other UI annoyances make the FireTV UI less than a 5-star rating. But to be fair, neither is Roku's UI something you are going to write a rave review about. Maybe Google or Apple has done better, but I don't have these to comment on.

BySA

Fire TV Stick 4K

I'll be eternally grateful to the Amazon Fire TV Stick for giving me my first introduction to streaming services, and for being the second step in my process of "cutting the cord" and liberating myself from ridiculously overpriced cable television. (The first was the acquisition of an HD antenna - I had no idea that there were so many broadcast channels available. In fact, I realized that most of the programs that I was watching on cable were available on broadcast channels. And the third step was the purchase of the Amazon Recast DVR, which enables me to record programs on those channels.) In addition to being an inexpensive, one-time purchase, the Fire TV Stick has been completely reliable. If I have only one quibble, it's that just about all of the free streamed television programs that are available come with commercials, just like regular TV. But that's just an inconvenience, and certainly not one that the Fire TV Stick is directly responsible for. I've since purchased a couple of streaming services, and the Fire TV Stick integrates well with these and makes it all very easy to manage.

ByMartha Coyne

Excellent online streaming, user interface values "glitzy" over functionality and usability

Amazon absolutely adores denying my glowing reviews of their own products. I write honest and clean reviews, which is in favor of Amazon Alexa and Fire products. I teach how to setup Amazon products in my reviews. I post pictures and tons of helpful information about the product. Amazon identical to a 1920's gangster says: "No, I'm not going to publish a glowing review from you! I won't give you any reason why! But if you keep posting amazing reviews, we will suspend your right to review." So instead of an amazing review, which Amazon will deny... How about some other review that perhaps Amazon won't deny: It's fine.

Bydigitaldoc

Rescued Me from Cable

I'm glad I got this item. Previously, I've been connecting my laptop to hotel flat screens by HDMI cable to stream Netflix, Disney +, and CW. Then I got the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K for 40 bucks here and now I use this for streaming instead. That way I'm not putting my much more expensive laptop through such constant use. Let the Fire TV Stick handle it. It's only 40 bucks. It's physically small and minimal, along with its remote controller. When connected to a flat screen, it looks like part of a cable and is barely noticeable to anyone else. It has a screen adjustment feature and works great on hospitality flat screens with resolutions like 1366 x 768. And it does 4K display, which gives this item longevity. So I recommend getting the 4K one. Also glad I got this instead of the other major brand because Bluetooth is covered. With the other brand, you have to go up a couple price levels to get that. Amazon loaded this streamer stick more solidly with this and more. And it's got screen casting. Highly recommended.

ByJRev3

Fire TV Stick 4K is an improvement in every way. Upgrade!

Give yourself or someone else) the gift of an incredible streaming experience. Like many I subscribe to a couple of services in lieu of a cable bill. Whenever I'm in the mood to watch a specific show though, I have to either hop on the internet to see if I can figure out whether it's Amazon, Hulu, Netflix, or one of the several free services that might carry it. Well search no more. Alexa, play Back to the Future... Alexa show me Korean Dramas... Ask for it and Alexa will offer up choices on which service to use. If it isn't going to be free, she'll tell you that too. There's no lag on this thing either. It's like she already knows what you're going to ask and had the answer waiting for you. The only bummer moment for me was when I tried to use my TV's USB port to power the device only to discover the port didn't supply enough power so I had to go digging for another power outlet. Other than that, install was a breeze and I've bought 2 more for my other TV's.

ByAdam

Fascist app environment, but useful otherwise

This is my second fire 4k stick (different tv, not like the first one broke), so I must like it. Better than Samsung’s or LG’s included smart interface + better wifi range. My streams direct from the TV would always degrade i. Quality due to bad wifi, so I got these. High quality streams. 4K, HDR. At first I did not like the interface, because it mixed many streaming platforms content (Netflix, Amazon, HBO, etc) but got used to it with time. I actually like how I don’t need to open each individual app to browse, but can see all from the home screen. Interface may have too many apps. I have a ring doorbell, and tv will tell me if it rings. It’s nice because I may not hear it from the room with the tv volume up. A bit slow interface, but I could have paid more for the Max version.

ByVedgehammer

This thing is incredible

I can't speak to Alexa integration, until my new internet service starts and I put both devices on the same network, but knowing Alexa it'll work good. I have a Roku TV but I like the Fire Stick interface better, I never know what I want to watch and the recommendations from the different services are great place to start. The downside to that are also recommendations from sites that charge a monthly fee, if you want to avoid that just go to Prime or Netflix or whatever app you wish to use and you'll only see their interface. Fire Stick works well at the actual streaming though, there are numerous sites out there that'll tell you how to find the more hidden settings, you can even make silk into a decent browser if you want.

ByDanny Boy

Better than tv interface

IF you have had your firestick for several years, as did we, it pays to uprade to the newer unit with faster wifi. I was getting 30 to 40 mbps over the wifi with the old firestick, and I get as much as 160+ over the wifi (asus A/C WAP) with the new unit. This one will easily steam 4k if you have a good WAP and internet feed. I also like the addition of volume and mute controls on the remote. I don't like that the power off button also powers off my TV, but I just don't use that button and all good. The software interface has also changed, but not so dramatically that you can't figure it out. For instance, the nice menu along the top is now gone and you have to navigate a little to find the "manage installed apps", but again, you'll get there with some familiarity.

ByXavier

Wish I'd done this sooner

I tried to research before buying the Fire TV Stick 4K and decided to just buy it and find out. I subscribe to HBO thru Amazon Prime Video, but this does not give me access to HBO Max material (e.g. the first run movies from Warner Brothers). Amazon has worked it out that if you download the HBO Max app you can sign in using your Amazon account. And therein lies the problem.....I own Smart TV's (LG and Samsung), but none of them allowed me to get HBO Max. I could download the app to my Fire 8HD Tablet Plus and didn't have a way to screen share with the TV's. The solution was to order the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K. Installation was fairly easy -- I just had to give the stick time to integrate. And as an added plus, Amazon also had the app for Kahilu.TV (Hawaii Island Theatre) which I was screen sharing from my computer. So far, so good.

BySteven S. Nelson

Much faster than the old version we had...

My favorite streaming platform thatvI own. Samsung SmartTV, Google Chromecast & Amazon FireTV all have worthy, comparable features. Choose any one of these products without trepedation. Samsung, Google or Amazon bring a near equal viewing experience. Each have similar features with each having some that standout over the other. Multiple Device Integration in SmartTV, Streaming from External Devices via Chromecast standout. However, FireTV has nuances that just make easy use of any feature. Fire TV is a very efficient tool that slightly exceeds Samsung & Google where it matters most. The most important capability that drive demand of Streaming Sticks. FireTV knows how to do what you want it to do, when you tell Alexa to do or use the menu to do it yourself. Is just a bit more efficient at executing actions, easier to use the features & give a package inclusive of channels, subscription & extras the others don't match. If this was horse race with 3 horses named Smart, Chrome and Fire....It would be a tight race as all three cross the finish line so close it would be Photo Finish. And The Winner Is.....Amazon's FireTV Stick!

Bymqqn

It works with smart TV's to give you HBOMax

I have an LG "Smart" TV that's not so smart. I couldn't get several streaming services, most notably HBOMax. So I bought the Amazon Firestick and installed it in the back of my TV. I was so pleased with the result of streaming HBOMax, I added my other streaming services PRIME, and Netflix. I then switched the Firestick to HDMI1, put my cable TV on HDMI2, and my DVD player onto HDMI3, My Smart TV is now a Dumb TV. What a great tool. PRIME works so much better now too. (I had a lot of trouble with the combination of Prime and my LG.). I was so happy, I bought a second Firestick to power my bedroom TV with all my streaming services and returned in my cable TV box to my cable service provider. Believe me, it's not worth it to spend all that money on a "Smart" TV. Amazon's Firestick is an inexpensive alternative.

ByN. Male

CAVEMEN LOVED FIRE, TOO

Love this thing! Wished it's hard drive was bigger though, 8GB hardly works on a phone, so why Amazon chose to go to with it on a device meant to be your family's main source of entertainment/media device is beyond me?? It is their 4th gen device, meaning they made this device 3 previous times, guess I'm the only one complaining I'm running out of storage. Thank God to the guys at XDA who hacked this thing up, rooted it and made instructions on how to available for anyone interested. Not only did I get rid of all the Amazon crap I never used, which created more space, I was able to install apps on a 64GB USB flash drive, so now it's a proper streaming, media playing and gaming device that my issue now is finding enough apps/games to fill that 64GB I have up. Right now Asphalt 8, Real Racing 3, Soul Calibur, Sonic 2, Badlands, Eventide, Mickey Mouse Castle, RipTide 1 & 2, Star Wars, Bowling, Sega Tennis, Deer Hunter, Crazy Taxi, Minion Rush, Candy Crush, Prince Persia and a few others. Not to mention a full Kodi install, 30-40 movie/live TV/sports watching apps. It's now the device I imagined it would be, but if I hadn't root it, I'd still be using the first gen Amazon Fire TV box which has expandable memory standard on it. Without root, it'd be a 3 star review, but it's now a 11 star!

ByCHAD MARTIN • San Diego, CA

Works Better Than My "Smart" TV

Streaming quality is good, better than what you get in a browser many times. If you don't have a smart TV its worth it just for being able to close the 8 tabs in your browser from all the different streaming services, and the remote. Alexa remote also controls the volume, mute, power on your TV as it functions like a simple universal remote. It does not have volume control in software so if your TV's volume doesn't affect the line out, you have to control volume on your external audio device if applicable. The apps from the major streaming services are all very good. Alexa integration with the remote is good, but integration with Echo devices is pretty bad. Frequently if you tell an Echo device to "Play (title) on Netflix" it will say it's getting the program on Netflix but nothing happens, or it wont recognize the title. You'll also hear "That is not supported on this device" or "Hmm, I don't know that one." Simple commands like pause and play rarely work because Alexa assumes you're talking about your default music service. If the stick goes to sleep or starts the screensaver, you're booted back to the home screen. The home screen doesn't display the last viewed program, only the app, unless it's from Amazon Prime Video. And when you reopen the app it may not remember what you were watching. You can't turn off automatic sleep unless you hook the stick up to your computer and use a program to do it. It has its flaws but for the price it does quite a lot well.

ByFerd Berfel

It's way cooler now!

This a decent streaming device and works with many 3rd party streaming apps. The most important thing to me is now Disney+ can be used on my TV without screen mirroring from a mobile device. Since my cable carrier company does not allow the Disney+ app to be downloaded and run in their 'environment', we could not watch it without using a TV connected mobile device. Make sure you have an available HDMI port on the TV to plug in the Firestick and an electrical outlet close enough to the TV to plug in the Firestick power supply (included in the box). The only issue I had with setting up the Firestick was when I tried connecting it to my network. I'm not really sure what went wrong, but I got it to detect my router after two attempts, unplugging the power to the Firestick and waiting about 30 seconds both times and then trying again. Once I got it connected, it has stayed connected and works each time I select it from my TV or cable remote. Over all, I would recommend this product. Now it seems like a good time to seriously consider cancelling my cable service.

ByTalysDaddy

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